According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy, is meeting in Rome with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and a Qatari representative.
The US State Department announced Tuesday evening that Witkoff was on his way to the Middle East for talks aimed at opening corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and achieving a ceasefire.
The newspaper added that if progress is made, Witkov will arrive in Doha to sign an agreement that includes a ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
It's worth noting that indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel have been underway since July 6 in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, and supported by the United States. These negotiations have gained momentum with Witkoff's expected arrival in the region, as the parties await a response from Hamas regarding what the newspaper described as "the latest Israeli concessions."
The newspaper highlighted that the main point of contention revolves around the withdrawal lines that Israel will adhere to, with the gap narrowing to hundreds of meters. It noted that Israel is prepared to withdraw to a depth of between 1,000 and 1,200 meters along the Philadelphi Route near the border with Egypt, while Hamas is demanding a withdrawal to a depth of only 800 meters.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been waging a military campaign against the Gaza Strip, including killings, destruction, and forced displacement, amid repeated international condemnation and International Court of Justice decisions to halt operations.
The newspaper indicated that Hamas will push for the release of a greater number of Palestinian prisoners, as the gap between the two sides in prisoner exchange demands is believed to be between 100 and 150 detainees. Israel, meanwhile, estimates that there are 50 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive, while more than 10,000 Palestinians are being held in its prisons, suffering harsh conditions.
The newspaper explained that Israeli officials believe the issue is solvable, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducting a situation assessment with his negotiating team in Doha on Tuesday evening.
A Palestinian source revealed on Saturday that Hamas had received new maps from mediators showing the areas of Israeli control in Gaza and had begun studying them. Meanwhile, Hamas announced on Monday that it was continuing consultations with Palestinian factions to reach a comprehensive agreement that would halt the aggression, lift the blockade, and guarantee a dignified life for the people of Gaza.
Over the course of more than 21 months, several rounds of indirect negotiations were held between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, and with American support. These negotiations resulted in two partial agreements in November 2023 and January 2025. However, Netanyahu refrained from completing the latter agreement and resumed military operations last March.
Hamas has affirmed its willingness to release all Israeli prisoners in one go in exchange for a halt to the aggression and the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli opposition claims that Netanyahu is seeking partial agreements that would allow the war to continue, ensuring his continued rule by securing the support of the extreme right-wing faction within his government.
It is worth noting that Israel has occupied Palestinian territories and areas in Syria and Lebanon for decades, and refuses to withdraw from them and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.
